While they are difficult to get rid of, some natural remedies can help you get rid of the concealed pimple under your skin effectively. Read on to know more about blind pimples and a few tips to prevent them from forming. Scroll down!
What Is A Blind Pimple?
A ‘blind pimple’ is a term used to refer to the acne that develops under the surface of the skin. These hidden pimples are not quite noticeable from a distance as they may be latent or subcutaneous, but you can feel them under the skin when you touch the spot. They are usually a result of a nodule or cyst. A typical acne lesion is referred to as a comedone. Whiteheads and blackheads are the mildest forms of acne lesions. A whitehead is a closed comedone, while a blackhead is an open comedone. A blind pimple is a closed comedone that develops deep within your skin. As such pimples begin emerging through the skin, they may develop into whiteheads. In other cases, they just disappear. Blind pimples usually do not have heads like other types of pimples. A blind pimple goes through several stages before it goes away. Learn more about it in the next section.
Stages Of A Blind Pimple
Stage 1: Initial Formation
A pore becomes clogged due to the accumulation of excess sebum (skin oil), dead skin cells, and acne-causing bacteria. Unlike regular pimples, it lacks a visible head.
Stage 2: Inflammation
The clogged pore triggers an inflammatory response, leading to redness and tenderness beneath the skin’s surface.
Stage 3: Painful Bump
As the blind pimple progresses, it develops into a painful lump under the skin. It does not have the characteristic white or yellow top of regular pimples.
Stage 4: Resolution Or Eruption
A blind pimple may either resolve on its own or eventually lead to the formation of a noticeable white or yellow head. Let us now take a look at a few home remedies that can help treat inflammatory acne lesions like a blind pimple.
10 Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Pimples Under The Skin
Note: Most of the remedies discussed below may help prevent the occurrence of blind pimples and tackle possible blemishes.
1. Warm Compress
A warm compress can help push the blind pimple to the surface of the skin. It can also help drain the pus within the acne by opening up your skin pores. It may also help relieve pain from acne (1). A warm compress You can do this 2-3 times daily.
2. Essential Oils
a. Tea Tree Oil
The anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of tea tree oil can help fight the inflammation and infection associated with a blind pimple (2). Note: Do not apply pure tea tree oil directly on your skin as it can cause irritation.
1-2 drops of tea tree oil 1 teaspoon of sweet almond oil (or any other carrier) Cotton swabs
You can do this once daily. The powerful bactericidal activities of cinnamon oil can help eliminate acne-causing bacteria like P.acnes (3). They may help prevent the occurrence of blind pimples.
1-2 drops of cinnamon oil 1 teaspoon of any carrier oil
You can do this daily.
3. Raw Honey
Honey possesses antimicrobial properties that work against multiple skin microbes. Its anti-inflammatory properties can also help reduce the inflammation in the pimple-affected area (4). Raw honey (as required) You can do this 1-2 times daily.
4. Toothpaste
The main component of almost all kinds of toothpaste is baking soda or sodium bicarbonate. The anti-inflammatory and antibacterial nature of this compound may help in drying and healing the zit faster (5). Any white toothpaste (as required) You may do this once daily.
5. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory and healing properties that may help reduce the swelling and inflammation in the affected area (6). Fresh aloe vera gel You can do this 2-3 times daily.
6. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar exhibits antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities (7). These activities may help fight the acne-causing microbes and reduce inflammation. However, more scientific evidence is warranted to prove this effect.
1 tablespoon of raw apple cider vinegar 3 tablespoons of water Cotton balls
You can do this once daily.
7. Lemon Juice
Lemon exhibits bactericidal and anti-inflammatory properties (8), (9). Hence, it may help reduce acne and prevent its recurrence.
1 teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice 2 teaspoons of water Cotton swabs
You may do this once daily.
8. Epsom Salt
Epsom salt contains magnesium that can help reduce inflammation (10). It reduces acne by getting rid of dirt, dead skin cells, and sebum accumulated in the pores.
½ teaspoon of Epsom salt 1 cup of warm water Cotton swabs
You can do this 1 to 2 times daily.
9. Green Tea Bags
Green tea polyphenolsi Naturally occurring plant compounds that have antioxidant properties, aid in disease prevention, and offer other health benefits. possess antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that may help in treating acne (11). They also help in controlling the secretion of sebum (11). This may prevent the blind pimple from surfacing. 1-2 used green tea bags You can do this 1 to 2 times daily.
10. Ice
Ice cubes can reduce redness, swelling, and inflammation (12). Ice can minimize skin pores and reduce inflammation around the pimple. Ice cubes Do this 3-4 times daily. These remedies may aid the healing of the blind pimple to a great extent. Check out the causes of blind pimples below.
What Causes A Blind Pimple Under The Skin?
Your skin has small sacs called follicles that connect the pores to the oil glands beneath it. The oil glands secrete sebum (an oily liquid) that may carry bacteria, dirt, and dead skin cells to the surface of the skin via the follicle. Small hairs usually grow through this follicle. However, in some cases, there are chances that this follicle is blocked. This causes the sebum to build up underneath the skin, thereby forming a plug. Such plugs may be exposed to bacteria and result in swelling and inflammation. A blind pimple, like most forms of pimples, is caused due to the breakdown of these infected plugs. Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) are bacteria that live on the surface of the skin and are responsible for causing infectious pimples. Some of the most common factors that increase your risk of developing acne are:
Hormonal imbalances Certain cosmetics Stress Menstruation
The common symptoms associated with the appearance of an unseen pimple are listed below.
Signs And Symptoms
Swelling Inflammation in the surrounding skin Pain upon touching
Some individuals often confuse boils or cysts for pimples. To help you understand the differences better, here is a summary differentiating a pimple, a boil, and a cyst.
Pimples Vs. Boils Vs. Cysts
Pimples
Pimples occur in different shapes and sizes and are most often found on the face, neck, chest, shoulders, or back. Acne or pimples usually begin in the pores of your skin. Pimples are more common in adolescents, but nowadays, they also occur in adults. They can be triggered by hormonal imbalances, certain cosmetics, stress, certain foods, or may even be hereditary.
Boils
A boil usually appears as a small inflamed bump that gradually grows and is filled with pus. It is usually found in areas where you sweat a lot or where your clothes rub against your skin – like your face, buttocks, underarms, neck, and thighs. Several boils can cluster together to form a carbunclei A cluster of connected boils under the skin that are red, bloated, and painful is known as a carbuncle. . A boil also forms in the pores or follicles on your skin and is a result of a bacterial infection. It is more common in teenagers and younger adults. Men are more affected than women. It can be caused due to vulnerable medical conditions like diabetes, eczema, or a weakened immune system. Sharing the same towels, razors, or cosmetics can also cause boils.
Cysts
Cysts are sac-like growths that are often caused due to an infection or clogging of glands. They can occur almost anywhere on the body. They are a result of clogged sebaceous glandsi Oil-producing glands that generate sebum that are found throughout the skin, with the exception of a person’s palms and soles. . These can cause pain if they are infected or ruptured. Some cysts can also be cancerous and pose a higher risk to health as compared to pimples and boils. Tumors, infections, chronic inflammatory conditions, and certain genetic conditions are associated with the appearance of cysts.
Along with the remedies, you also need to follow the below tips to prevent its recurrence.
Prevention Tips
Avoid popping, squeezing, or constantly touching the invisible pimple. Wash your face with a mild cleanser no more than two times daily. Avoid scrubbing the facial skin daily. Instead, scrub one to two times a week. Wash the pillowcases regularly. Keep the screen of your phone clean. Avoid going to bed with makeup on. Use non-comedogenic and oil-free products. Wash your hair regularly as the dirt from your hair that touches your skin constantly can also cause pimples. Choose your skin care products and cosmetics carefully.
Moreover, incorporating methods on how to prevent acne into your skincare routine may reduce the frequency of under-the-skin pimples in the long run. When to see a dermatologist for blind acne? If your blind pimple does not respond to any of the above remedies or tips, it is best to visit a dermatologist to get it treated. How long does a blind pimple last? A blind pimple can last for a week or two or even more if left untreated. What can happen when you pop a pimple? If you decide to pop a pimple on your own, it can lead to the development of more pimples and may even cause permanent scarring. What to put on a blind pimple overnight? Ingredients like aloe vera gel or essential oils may work faster. However, they may not remove the pimple overnight. Medications like Retin A or acne stickers work best on acne when left overnight. How to pop a pimple that is under the skin? You must never pop a pimple on your own. However, learning what to do after popping a pimple is essential if you can’t resist popping the pimples. It is crucial to prevent scars and promote faster healing. You can always visit a dermatologist to get it popped professionally if required. How do dermatologists remove blind pimples? A dermatologist may inject corticosteroids into the pimples to reduce their size and decrease the risk of scarring. They may also prescribe topical or oral antibiotics to get rid of the bacteria contributing to the development of the pimples. Why do blind pimples hurt? Blind pimples hurt due to the pus formed inside them. The pus builds up and puts pressure on the nearby nerves, causing pain. Does salicylic acid get rid of blind pimples? Yes, salicylic acid peels can be effective in removing dead skin and unclogging your pores. It also helps dry out the pimples and reduces inflammation, thus reducing your risk of future breakouts (13). Do pimple patches help blind pimples? Yes, pimple patches contain ingredients like salicylic acid that can dry out the pimple and soothe inflammation (14), (15). Ensure that you follow the instructions on the package carefully before trying it.
Illustration: How To Get Rid Of A Blind Pimple: 10 Remedies + Prevention Tips
